Promotion back to League One at the first attempt was the expectancy from most parties associated with MK Dons at the start of the season. After last weekend’s round of fixtures, the team are back in a position in the League Two table where this looks like a good possibility. However, their final run-in towards the end of the season is looking increasingly difficult, and one of their big tests comes this week away at Forest Green Rovers.
MK Dons’ Difficult Final Run-In Continues
Seven to Go
The Dons might be three points clear in the final automatic promotion spot, and they may still have games against two of the division’s bottom four, but the other five fixtures certainly go against them.
Forest Green this weekend is followed by the visit of Lincoln City to Stadium MK and trips to Tranmere Rovers and Colchester United before Mansfield Town come to Milton Keynes on the final day – a game that could be a straight showdown for automatic promotion.
Second Visit to the New Lawn
This will be the Dons’ second visit to Forest Green, having beaten them 1-0 in a Carabao Cup first round match last season. Gboly Ariyibi‘s strike in extra time was the deciding factor on that day.
In terms of absentees, Paul Tisdale said in his press conference on Thursday that they will wait on the availability of Alex Gilbey, who limped off early on in last week’s win over Yeovil Town.
“He’s sore,” Tisdale said in his pre-match press conference.
“He’s been on the training ground today. We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed and we’ll give him every chance to be fit for Saturday afternoon but it will be a late call.”
Prediction
MK Dons’ record against the top seven in League Two has been far from great this season, scraping 1-0 wins against Bury and Exeter City earlier in the season, while the game against Forest Green ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw.
Given the close proximity of the two sides in the table and the fact that both will be wary of how much they have to lose in this game, it’s safe to assume a similar result could manifest itself this time around.
Prediction: Forest Green Rovers 1-1 MK Dons
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